Despite renewed government efforts to end illegal mining, the destruction of Ghana’s forest reserves continues.
In the latest incident, over 100 trees have been felled by illegal miners in the Adobewura section of the Jimmirah Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
Compartments 28 and 29, once lush and teeming with biodiversity, have been stripped of their Cedrela trees, critical species for both timber and ecosystem balance.
The illegal miners, known locally as galamseyers, moved in earlier this year and took over the forest, making it inaccessible even to forestry officials.
Nkawie District Forest Manager Abraham Essel says the damage is severe and ongoing.
“The destruction of the Cedrela plantation and the whole forest ecosystem has led its resilience and health. The activities of the illegal miners are greatly impacting the sustainable forest management practices that we do,” he said.
According to the Forestry Commission, the miners operated under the protection of armed guards, which made enforcement nearly impossible.
A recent military operation led to the seizure of more than 10 excavators and brought temporary relief to the area.
However, the Ashanti Regional Forestry Manager, Clement Omari, warns that the miners tend to return as soon as the military leaves.
He believes that a permanent security presence near the forest might be the only way to stop the destruction for good.
Acting Executive Director of the Forestry Commission, Lydia Opoku, is urging stronger collaboration with local communities and traditional leaders.
She believes this partnership is crucial in protecting what remains of Ghana’s threatened forests.